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Let’s get to the point.
The Super Bowl is not just a showcase for the best in football, it's also a showcase for the best in advertising.
Over the past two decades, the commercials during the big game have been some of the most iconic and talked-about ads of the year. I personally tune in to watch the commercials and have been gathering my favorites for as long as I can remember. Here are my top nine Super Bowl commercials since 2001:
Pepsi's "Joy of Pepsi" (2002) - This commercial features Britney Spears singing and dancing to the "Joy of Pepsi" jingle. It’s targeted to appeal to young consumers and convey the message that drinking Pepsi brings happiness and fun. The campaign was well received and considered a successful marketing effort by Pepsi.
CareerBuilder.com's "Monkeys" (2005) – A group of monkeys frustrated with their jobs decide to quit. This made for a funny, unforgettable, and relatable ad. It's a great example of how a Super Bowl commercial can be both entertaining and effective.
Coca-Cola's "Happiness Factory" (2006) – Inside a Coke vending machine is a whimsical world where little creatures work to create happiness for those who drink Coke. The ad is creative and colorful. It resonated with audiences and helped to differentiate the brand from its competitors.
Bud Light's "Rock, Paper, Scissors" (2007) – A group of friends plays a game of “Rock, Paper, Scissors” to determine who gets the last Bud Light. The ad is simple and silly, but it's also memorable and effective, with the final focus on Bud Light as a brand reminder.
Ram Trucks' "Farmer" (2013) - This commercial pays tribute to the importance of farmers, using part of a speech by the famous radio broadcaster Paul Harvey. This powerful ad honors farmers as the backbone of our country while promoting Ram Trucks to everyone. Emotionally, the ad focuses on patriotism and gratitude.
Doritos' "Time Machine" (2014) – In this commercial, a man uses a time machine to go back in time and grab some Doritos. It’s a hilarious ad that showcases Doritos’ customer loyalty.
Budweiser's "Lost Dog" (2015) - This heartwarming commercial features a lost puppy finding its way home to its owner with the help of a friendly Clydesdale. This commercial was well-received for its emotional appeal. It became one of the most popular 2015 Super Bowl commercials and one that still remains a favorite.
Audi's "Godfather" (2017) – In a nod to the father-son relationship, the son uses his Audi to outrun his father's less-cool car. The ad is memorable and tells a story with few words while letting the visuals speak for themselves.
Hyundai's "First Date" (2017) – Here, a protective a dad using his Hyundai to keep an eye on his daughter during her first date. The ad is touching yet humorous while showing off Hyundai’s latest features.
These are just nine of the best Super Bowl commercials since 2001, but there are many others that deserve recognition. Whether they're funny, heartwarming, clever, or just plain awesome, these ads have made the Super Bowl more than just a football game – they've made it a cultural event.
